The Straw-colored Sylph (Macrothemis inacuta) occurs in Mexico and southward into South America, but in the United States it has only been found in a few areas of south Texas and Arizona. In October, 2003, Bob Behrstock discovered a single mature male Straw-colored Sylph at a location in Edinburg, Hidalgo Co., Texas. In the days to follow, up to five of these dragons were found at the same location. The first two shots here, of a young male, were taken at this same spot also in October, 2003, with a Canon EOS 10D and EF 70-200 mm F/2.8 L IS lens with a 2X extender and 550 EX flash.

The next four shots of Straw-colored Sylph were taken in Falcon State Park, Zapata Co., Texas, in October, 2004. Most of the park is in Starr Co., but the section where these photos were taken is in Zapata Co. These images were taken with a Canon EOS 1D Mark II and an EF 300mm F/4 L IS lens and 2X extender and Canon flash. These next four shots all show females.

The female Straw-colored Sylph shown here was along the Rio Grande in Hidalgo Co., Texas, in September, 2008. This shot was taken with a Canon EOS 1D Mark III and EF 300mm F/4 L IS lens and 2X extender and Canon 580 flash.